Artist & Writer

RoCo 6×6 Exhibition Kickoff Event

26February 2018February 26, 2018February 26, 2018March 18, 2018

This year’s 6×6 exhibition takes place June 2 at RoCo (Rochester Contemporary Art Center), which is located at 137 East Avenue in Rochester, New York. Artists from around the globe are invited to create up to four works of art in any medium measuring 6″ W x 6″ H by April 15. Artwork is submitted anonymously (signed on the back) and anyone can enter at no cost to the artist. On opening night, the gallery is packed with hopeful buyers looking to snag their favorites for $20 each. Global online purchasing begins June 5 and work will be displayed in the gallery until July 14. The 6×6 exhibition is the non-profit arts organization’s primary annual fundraiser and helps RoCo provide opportunities for artists and contemporary art programming for all.

Since entries are due mid-April, March is officially 6×6 Party Month. Folks are encouraged to gather their friends to have fun creating art together. Obviously, the more art RoCo receives, the greater the selection for buyers. To make things a little easier, a kickoff event is planned for Thursday, March 1 at The Daily Refresher beginning at 6 PM. Along with John Magnus Champlin and Thomas Chaffer (Large Artist), I’ll be helping people create their small art for submission in the show. Art supplies will be provided at no cost (FREE!) and there will be drink specials available for those who need a little “liquid courage.” As of right now, it appears Magnus and Large Artist will be providing some painting demonstrations and I’ll be showing folks how to make a Matisse-inspired collage.

I primarily paint in acrylic but dabbled a little with collage in college and within the past year (below). I feel like collage makes me think more about color, line, and shape.

Frederick Douglass | 2017 | NFS

Magnificent Radical Bastard | 2017

Self Portrait | 1994 | NFS

Below are a few 6×6 examples I created for the event. As you can see, artwork can be as simple or complex as one prefers:

Most importantly, it’s a great opportunity to have an inexpensive and low-key evening while making art with friends for a great cause. Hope to see you there; and if you are out of town, you can still participate by downloading the entry forms and postmarking/ sending by April 14.